I simply love the program Critical Exposure offers to our students. It not only encourages them to develop an artists "eye" but also to be aware of the impact photographs can have on the world, with the emphasis on social justice and current issues.

I have been involved with Critical Exposure for the past 4 years and I cannot say enough about how much this organization makes a difference in children's lives. The greatest thing about this nonprofit is that it not only teaches children the skill of photography, but it also provides them with the support needed to be advocates for themselves and their schools, and ultimately create social change to better their lives. For a lot of children, this program and the staff's dedication, has transformed their lives, empowering them in a way that hadn't before. As a resident of Washington, DC, I can't think of a better way to help children in this city better themselves, and the school system, than Critical Exposure. Adam, the director, and his team are incredibly dedicated to the mission, and the children.

More feedback...

Was your donation impactful?

Definitely

How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?

Critical Exposure has made such a great addition to my after school program, the Multi-Ethnic Concerns Club for 9th-12th graders. The topics we cover are at times intense and sensitive, but Lauren and Fatimah are the perfect leaders for the conversations we have, and are never afraid of including important conversations that pop up on their own. They bring in such well thought out lessons and have a great incite into what the teenagers want to learn. I feel so fortunate to have them in my classroom.

Critical Exposure takes a big bite of the social change apple. They are not content to help students recognize problems and apply piecemeal solutions. They ate fundamentally challenging the systemic reasons for inequity in our public schools and giving students the core skills in communications, problem-solving and advocacy to "be the change they want to see in the world." Critical Exposure's leadership and staff are in it for the right reasons and that integrity males them incredibly effective with students, school administrators and local officials. They have the success stories to prove it, I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to invest in youth and unleash their power for positive change!

More feedback...

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

A lot

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Quite well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

The cleverness of the turn of phrase "critical exposure" is matched by the sass and drive of the people who work there. As a photo enthusiast and volunteer who has helped out at photography exhibits of students' work, and fundraisers, I am impressed by the team's big plans, and their ability to follow through. Bigger than life portraits by students in area businesses? Why not! Raising tens of thousands of dollars through student photo-activism? Done! Auctions of framed student work alongside of donated works by internationally acclaimed award winning photographers? Teach those students to aim high! But the evidence of the impact lies in the testimonies of the student participants themselves who consistently reiterate that being part of critical exposure has given them a means to channel creativity, inspired confidence, and taught them skills beyond photography in the realm of organization, commitment, and critical thinking. I hope Critical Exposure continues its good work!

More feedback...

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

What is unique about Critical Exposure is that it gives the students the tools they need to effect change for themselves. That approach provides them with a sense of empowerment that no handout can ever match.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Watching those shy kids shine when their work is displayed is a reward for the entire community and has been for me personally as well.

More feedback...

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

Critical Exposure tackles one of the toughest challenges facing our nation – helping the most underperforming schools and hardest to reach students – and does so through a unique mix of shocking photography, smart policy and heartbreaking student testimony. CE empowers students with the tools and opportunity to confront elected officials, the media and the public with a reality that most people only see from a distance and moving people to take action. The fact that Critical Exposure has grown and flourished so much in both size and scope - especially in such tough economic times when most non-profits can’t even survive - is a true mark of this organization's value and success.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

I've followed CE from inception and have seen the staff grow in size, the exhibits require larger spaces, the crowds of followers and donors double and tripple - with the media coverage and presitge growing in kind.

Year after year I continue to be impressed with the top talent and the commitment the CE team has toward the mission. With little resources, CE is able to make a significant impact on the lives of students as well as help bring about change in the schools--truly making a positive difference.

Watching Critical Exposure grow, I've been impressed by the organization's ability to combine the joy and power of photography with effective policy impact. By empowering students to tell their own stories, it inspires the students documenting the conditions in their schools, the policy makers who have acted to improve school conditions, and the many others who have viewed the work.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

viewing photos that are raw and honest and show school conditions that should not be allowed to continue.

I love working with and on behalf of children, especially for causes related to improving their educational opportunities. Volunteering with Critical Exposure provides a great way for me to feel like I am making a direct difference and impact on major youth issues like reducing the high school drop-out rate, improving school facilities and lunches, and other barriers to the first-rate education ALL kids deserve.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

The best part of the annual Spring Exhibit - aside from seeing the student's photos and reading their stories - is meeting the actual student photographers and seeing their looks of pride and confidence first hand.

More feedback...

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

Directly impacting youth.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

committed and enthusiastic.

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

significantly impact the dire state of our public education system and the issues that directly impact students - world-class facilities for learning, resources to help them stay in school, and a seat at the table for leading the way towards change.